Kenya from Beyoğlu
Thanks to Kenya Matthews for sharing her experience in Turkey with us.
Tell us about yourself
I am a young woman writer who recently made a career move from Accounting to
pursue Freelance Journalism opportunities internationally. I was born and raised
in New York, NY where I pursued my degree in Literature and Women's Studies
What made you come to Turkey?
I met my fiancé one drunken night in May and we already had individual plans
of relocation. We needed a country where we would be relatively safe, without
being too 'safe'. An opportunity to work fell into his lap at the last minute,
we had a great farewell party NY style and we were off.
What do you do in your daily life?
I visit art galleries, get lost in neighborhoods throughout Istanbul, go to
concerts, meet people constantly, see exhibitions and shows at various venues,
shop for useless things that I don't need and get drunk with new friends.
Family?
My nuclear family is an acerbic and witty bunch that lives in a well-off suburb
just outside of Manhattan. I come from a middle-class, black family, who mainly
resides in the southern states. My parents are entrepreneurs and my sister is
an HR Director with international clientele. I see them 2-3 times per year.
Can you compare your first days here with today?
I hated it! I made constant pedantic NY comparisons, felt stressed by the gruffness
of the locals, pissed that my life of general convenience could not be achieved
in the same way, i.e. no-bargaining shopping; cheap technology; company customer
service in English; actual directions to any locations with names of streets
given. I couldn't stand the over-aggressive street vendors and shop owners and
most of all was seriously unnerved by the lack of multicultural dynamicism and
the stir that my exotic appearance caused in the streets.
Now-
I have many more connections that help with my basic questions, such as where
to get boot-leg DVDs, and how to reach someone in English at Turk Telekom. I
am less self-conscious as a foreigner, and have finally cut the NY umbilical
cord and decided to fall in love with my new home and all of its eccentricities.
And besides, people were always nice to me anyway; I was just typical NYC antisocial!
Has living in Turkey influenced your approach to life?
I'm less stressed about job security, I turn around and every day I see a new
small-business venture taking off, it's inspiring.
Turkish language?
Completely at an elementary, 'visitor's guide' level, the course prices are
outrageous.
Let's talk about the region you are living in?
I live in an area of Beyoglu, Asmali mescit, straddled between Taksim, Tunel
and Pera. Beyoglu is the epicenter of the creative, fiscal and bohemian life
in Istanbul even if some areas are gutted out-tourist traps and lures for bourgeois
cognoscenti to affirm their own self-worth through overpriced, trashy consumption.
There is direct access to Asia, an incredible number of places to get lost if
you don't mind the concrete jungle
Have you traveled in Turkey? Tell us your discoveries
Not outside of Istanbul yet.
What is your preferred characteristic trait of Turks?
Uber-friendliness, especially with standoff-ish foreigners
What was the annoying one?
Hysterically defensive posture about Turkey's domestic and international political,
economic and social policies.
Turkish Cuisine?
I'm a kahve and popcorn person, the idea of a two-course-and-up-meal is scary
to me, besides, my fiancé cooks.
Any suggestion to new comers to Turkey?
Develop solid contacts as soon as possible and don't hesitate to begin the mutually
exploitative relationship from everything to home internet set up, to career
buzz.
Any suggestion to people planning to visit your region
Always err on the side of no name wine and Efes at any café/restaurant/bar/club
because the good stuff is not worth the price and all domestic wines taste the
same; take a cursory look at the Grand Bazaar - but that's it!; go rollerblading
around the docks at Eminonu and Karakoy; follow any meandering street off of
Istiklal for chic, off the beaten track clothes and knick knacks; dress for
schizophrenic weather conditions (i.e. layering for outside and unbearable heat
inside, or vice versa); expect to pay dearly for the pool unless one is at your
hotel, same goes for the gym; go to Yildiz Park with a friend and run through
the woods; watch out for the many baby-faced perverts roaming the most crowded
areas and clubs; relax and reconcile yourself to thoroughly enjoying a few things
instead of plowing through every tourist site.
Latest comments about this article
By
Groundtruth 17.7.2011
Hi Kenya,
I was fascinated by your article. Recently returned to Los Angeles from Istanbul-first trip-which I really loved! As a professional and a person of color, I´d like to get a deeper perspective from you on your experiences in Istanbul. This would be helpful as I´m considering proposing a business venture in healthcare in Turkey to the company for which I work. Kind regards. I can be reached at: [email protected]
By
thefacepainter 12.2.2007
Hello Kenya, I too live in Beyoglu. I just got back from Brazil 2 days ago. I lived here for 1 year and back to stay with my fiance until the end of this year. I am born in England but raised in Toronto. I myself am a woman of colour and related to some of your experiences here. I would love to meet for a coffee if it were possible. I will leave you my email [email protected] I hope you get the message.
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